Indigenous Peoples Cultural Hall Introduction
The indigenous population of Taiwan is predominantly found in Hualien and Taitung, while Taoyuan City is home to 16 indigenous tribes, making it the city with the highest indigenous population in western Taiwan. The Taoyuan Indigenous Cultural Center officially opened in July 2004, becoming a hub for indigenous communities within the city and is now part of the Taoyuan Urban Story Museum group. The cultural center aims to establish a landmark for indigenous culture, evident in the design of the building and its surrounding plaza, showcasing various indigenous styles. Features include totem poles that express the spirit of different tribes through beautiful lines, the Wang Gao Tower used for guarding tribal boundaries against external invasions, and the Rainbow Avenue symbolizing unity among various tribes, with each side carved with distinctive tribal totems and a base reflecting the colors of traditional attire combined with Taiwan's unique geography, conveying the idea of cultural fusion. The plaza includes introduction boards for each tribe, as well as a map showing the distribution of indigenous peoples across Taiwan, providing visitors with an initial understanding of indigenous culture. The cultural center functions as a museum, displaying various traditional artifacts including handicrafts, weaving tools, indigenous clothing, and hunting knives. The exhibit rooms present major historical events and introduce traditional festivals for each tribe, offering detailed descriptions and old photographs to understand indigenous history. The center also regularly holds art exhibitions, providing a platform for indigenous artists to express tribal culture. In addition to static displays, visitors can participate in workshops led by resident artists for guided tours and DIY experiences. From Friday to Sunday, guests can enjoy performances of indigenous dance by the resident dance troupe, experiencing the vibrant spirit of indigenous songs and dances. Annual seasonal festival activities are also held here.
